1926-7 Inner Tubes

[Original Smith]

I need to find out the tire valve that was used on the 26-7 Ford wire wheels originally. I also want to know if this valve was carried over into the 28-9 Model A production.
The reason for this question is that the die hard Model A guys were interested in getting the correct valves stems for their cars. They contacted Schrader, as I recall, to see if they would be interested in re-introducing the original valve stems. The story I get is that Schrader was not interested, and they gave A&L Model A parts permission to reproduce the valves, which also had the Schrader logo on them. I want to know more about these valves, and if they are available for us Model T guys and who is selling them.

[TMiller6]

I’m using Snyder’s TR80 valve stem in my 26 wire wheels. I too have been told A&L is the manufacturer. I have not researched if it is correct for 26-27; I use it because it fits.

[Allan]

It would be interesting to know if A&L would be interested in making reproduction Schraeder 777 stems with the correct bridge washers having the depressed land on them rather than the flat useless ones now offered.

Allan from down under.

[Original Smith]

I would be interested in finding that information too! A&L is a great company for Model A stuff, and their Model A valves stems are great.

[Humblej]

Researching wire wheels in the Ford Service Bulletins, they first appear in an article dated March 1926, vol7, pg19. The article states to use special tires and tubes for the wire wheels identified with the markings "For either drop center or flat base rims." So for early production wire wheel valve stems were long enough to be used for demountable split rims. More insight is provided in a small article dated January 1927, vol 8, pg 122, and states "It is also necessary to provide a longer dust cap for the valve stem, these parts being also obtainable through the various tire dealers." So for early 1927 production the wire wheels were still using the longer stems that fit the demountable rims. To try to determine if later production wire wheels used the Model A type shorter stems, pictures of the 15 millionth Model T were inspected and clearly show the valve stems covers are freakishly long. The Service Bulletins plus original photos of the 15M Model T would lead me to believe the Model A type shorter valve stems were never used on wire wheels during Model T production.

[Allan]

Jeff, that is is logical, it could possibly be correct!

Allan from down under.

[DanTreace]

"It is also necessary to provide a longer dust cap for the valve stem, these parts being also obtainable through the various tire dealers."

Here is the print for that 3" dust cap, note in the upper left corner " Chassis with wire wheels"

So the std. 777 was used on the wire wheels, longer dust cap as the rim of the wire wheel is thinner than a felloe with demountable rim.

Rational for the small .406" dia. stem of the 777 was due to early years 3" tires, but guess Ford stayed with the 777 for the Model T. The larger 725 uses a larger dia. dust cap.

777 and 725.jpeg (115.72 KiB) Viewed 517 times

[DanTreace]

For ref. the std dust cap for the T ( without wire wheel) and using the 777 stem is 2 7/16"

[Humblej]

Larry, Hello, any comment? You started this discussion. There has been some very thorough research on this for frankly a subject that 99% of Model T people could care less about. I see you have moved on to tire stems for non-Ford cars... a subject 100% of Model T people could care less about.

[Original Smith]

Good Stuff! I usually like to keep my stuff as authentic as possible, however, I have a perfect replacement for the 777 valve stem. It's still a Schrader, but as noted above is 1/4" shorter. The valve stem is an 888. It uses the same bridge washer and nut. The reason I prefer this 888 is that most likely reduces the weight of the valve stem.